Electrification: what it is, why it matters, and how it can benefit Britain

What is electrification in Britain's energy system?

Electrification is the process of replacing fossil fuels such as petrol, diesel and natural gas with electricity, which in practice means powering more of the things we do with electricity. Everything from driving our cars and heating our homes to running businesses, factories and public transport systems can be electrified.

As Britain builds more wind, solar and nuclear generation electrification allows us to make greater use of low carbon, home-grown electricity, which combined with cleaner electricity generation means electrification can help reduce carbon emissions, improve energy security and create a more resilient energy system for the future.

Why does electrification matter?

Britain's energy transition is often talked about in terms of how we generate electricity, as large parts of the economy still rely on fossil fuels for transport, heating and industrial processes. Electrification means we can reduce that dependence by switching these activities to electricity, particularly as the electricity system becomes increasingly low carbon.

For EDF, electrification is about helping to enable An Electric Britain: a more resilient, more secure energy system that makes the most of investment in low-carbon infrastructure.

The benefits of electrification for Britain

Lower carbon emissions and tackle climate change

More people switching to electric technologies like EVs and heat pumps can help reduce emissions when they are powered by low carbon electricity, so as Britain continues to develop renewable energy and nuclear generation, the carbon benefits of electrification increase.

Greater energy security for Britain

More electricity from wind, nuclear and solar being generated domestically means Britain can reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and reduce exposure to volatile international energy markets at the same time.

Improved efficiency of the energy system 

Electric technologies can be more efficient than the fossil fuel systems they replace, for example smart technologies can help optimise energy use in homes and businesses, while heat pumps move existing heat rather than creating it through combustion.

Better control and affordability

Smart tariffs, storage and flexibility services can help households and businesses manage when and how they use electricity. The costs and benefits will vary according to the technology, property, tariff and pattern of use.

Supporting economic growth

Electrification can create opportunities for innovation, investment and skilled jobs across energy, manufacturing, digital technology and infrastructure.

What does an electrified Britain look like?

An electrified Britain is one where more everyday activities are powered by low carbon electricity and where energy works harder for consumers and businesses alike.

• Electric vehicles replacing petrol and diesel cars and vans.
• Heat pumps and other low carbon systems heating homes and workplaces.
• Smart charging and energy management helping people use electricity at suitable times.
• Businesses reducing emissions by electrifying fleets, heating and some industrial processes.
• Flexible energy systems making better use of renewable and nuclear generation.

Home electrification 

You can start your electrification journey at home with electric vehicles, heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage. Alongside smart energy systems these can reduce reliance on gas and other fossil fuels and give more visibility and control over your energy use.

• An electric vehicle doesn’t emit any exhaust gases, and choosing one helps move Britain away from petrol and diesel.
• Heat pumps use electricity to move warmth from the air, ground or water into your home and, because they move existing heat instead of burning fuel to create it, they can be an efficient alternative to traditional fossil fuel heating.
• Smart tariffs, connected devices and intelligent controls help you use electricity at times that suit your household and may cost less.
• Solar panels mean you can generate electricity at home, and battery storage means some of it can be saved for later. Together they help you use more of the energy you generate and rely less on electricity from the grid.

Business electrification

Going electric can help your business cut emissions, use energy more efficiently and build resilience. The best route will depend on your sites, operations and goals, but there are practical steps you can take.

• Electric fleets can help reduce tailpipe emissions from company cars and vans. Planning vehicles, charging points and charging times together can make the switch work for your day-to-day operations.
• Where buildings and processes are suitable, electric heating such as heat pumps can replace fossil fuel systems. A site-by-site assessment can help identify the most efficient approach.
• Smart building technology can show where and when energy is being used. Controls and energy management systems can then help reduce waste and shift some demand to more suitable times.
• On-site solar can generate low-carbon electricity where it is needed, while battery storage can save some of it for later. Together, they can reduce reliance on the grid and support electrification plans where network capacity is limited.
• Flexibility and demand management services can help your business adjust when it uses, stores or generates electricity. This can ease pressure at peak times and may reduce costs or create value, depending on your assets, operations and contract.